Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Zolmitriptan Odt.
Allergic reactions: Rare, severe allergic reactions to zolmitriptan may occur. Because of the possibility of allergic reaction, you should not use zolmitriptan if you are allergic to any of the other medications of this class (5-hydroxytryptamine agonists).
Blood pressure: Zolmitriptan may cause an increase in blood pressure. If you have severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure you should not take zolmitriptan.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: You may feel drowsy as a result of taking zolmitriptan. Do not perform tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving or operating machinery) if you experience drowsiness or dizziness.
Galactose intolerance/glucose malabsorption: Zolmitriptan tablets are prepared with lactose. If you have lactose or galactose intolerance, you should not take the tablet formulation.
Heart disease: Zolmitriptan Odt may cause narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the heart. This can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, and other heart problems. For this reason, you should not use zolmitriptan if you have heart or blood vessel disease. If you have certain risk factors for heart disease (e.g., high blood pressure, High Cholesterol, smoking, Obesity, Diabetes, family history of Coronary Artery Disease, Menopause, men over 40 years of age), tell your doctor.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Zolmitriptan Odt to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Zolmitriptan Odt may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zolmitriptan Odt, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Zolmitriptan Odt. You may need a lower dose of zolmitriptan.
Medication overuse headaches: As with other pain relief medications, overuse of zolmitriptan may lead to medication overuse headaches, or "rebound headaches" where the headache returns as the medication wears off. Avoid taking more of Zolmitriptan Odt than is recommended by your doctor. If you experience more frequent headaches, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Seizures: There have been rare reports of seizures experienced by people taking Zolmitriptan Odt. If you have a history of Epilepsy or other conditions that increase the risk for seizure your doctor should closely monitor you while taking Zolmitriptan Odt.
Serotonin syndrome: Severe reactions are possible when zolmitriptan is combined with other medications that act on serotonin, such as tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin reuptake inhibitors – medications used to treat Depression. These combinations must be avoided. Symptoms of a reaction may include muscle rigidity and spasms, difficulty moving, and changes in mental state including delirium and agitation. Coma and death are possible.
If you are taking antidepressants, discuss with your doctor how Zolmitriptan Odt may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zolmitriptan Odt, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: Zolmitriptan Odt should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Zolmitriptan Odt, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if zolmitriptan passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Zolmitriptan Odt, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of using Zolmitriptan Odt have not been established for children or adolescents.
Seniors: The use of zolmitriptan by people over the age of 65 years is not recommended.
